Dynevor Terrace: or, the clue of life — Volume 1 eBook

CHAPTER XVII.

THE RIVALS.

’Which king, Bezonian?’—­Henry
IV.

Sir Roland of Provence remained in suspense whether
to be a novice or an irrevocably pledged Hospitalier.
The latter was most probable; and when Adeline’s
feelings had been minutely analysed, Miss Conway discovered
that she had better not show her morning’s work
to her sisters.

Clara and Louis pronounced Jem to be as savage as
a bear all through the journey. Clara declared
it was revenge for having been civil and amiable all
through the vacation; and Louis uttered a theatrical
aside, that even that could not have been maintained
if he had not occasionally come to Ormersfield to
relieve himself a little upon their two lordships.

Laugh as he might, Fitzjocelyn was much concerned
and perplexed by his cousin’s ill-humour, when
it appeared more permanent than could be puffed off
in a few ebullitions. Attempts to penetrate the
gloom made it heavier, and Louis resolved to give
it time to subside. He waited some days before
going near James, and when he next walked to his college
found him engaged with pupils. He was himself
very busy, and had missed his cousin several times
before he at length found him alone.

’Why, Jem, old fellow, what are you about?
You’ve not been near my rooms this term.
Are you renouncing me in anticipation of my plucking?’

’You won’t be plucked unless you go out
of your senses for the occasion.’

’No thanks to your advice and assistance if
I am not. But it would conduce to my equanimity,
Jem, to know whether we are quarrelling, as in that
case I should know how to demean myself.’

‘I’ve no quarrel with you. You have
far more reason—­But,’ added Jem,
catching himself up, ’don’t you know I
have no leisure for trifling? The Ordination
is the second week in March.’

‘The Ordination!’

‘Ay—­you know it! My fellowship
depends on it.’

‘I never liked to contemplate it.’
He sat down and mused, while James continued his
occupation. Presently he said, ’Look here.
Sir Miles Oakstead asked me if I had any clever Oxford
friend to recommend. If he comes into office,
he—­’

‘I’ll be no great man’s hanger-on.’

’This matter is not imminent. You are
barely four-and-twenty. Wait a year or two;
even a few months would—­’

‘You have tried my forbearance often enough,’
broke in James; ’my object is—­as
you very well know—­to maintain myself and
mine without being liable to obnoxious patronage.
If you think I should disgrace the office, speak
out!’

Louis, without raising his eyes, only answered with
a smile.

’Then, what do you mean? As to your notions
of a vocation, ninety-nine out of a hundred are in
my case. I have been bred up to this-nothing
else is open—­I mean to do my duty; and surely
that is vocation—­no one has a right to
object—­’